Lowell High alumnus new headmaster

LOWELL -- The next headmaster of Lowell High School is a 1968 graduate, former administrator and active alumnus who has laid out a vision and whose enthusiasm for the school is contagious, the superintendent of schools said.

Superintendent of Schools Jean Franco announced Thursday afternoon she chose former City Manager and Mayor Brian Martin, 62, to be the next headmaster of Lowell High School.

"His overwhelming enthusiasm for the position and his love of the school and knowledge of it really is what gave him the upper hand," Franco said.

Public interviews were held Tuesday night for the position. Martin and the other finalist, Saugus High School Principal Joseph Diorio, who is on a paid leave from his duties, were interviewed by Franco, the deputy superintendent and two assistant superintendents.

Martin said he was excited to be chosen.

"I thought I shared my passion for the place on Tuesday. I look forward to a new challenge to work with all the great teachers, administrators, students and families," Martin said.

"My top priority will be to raise the bar so that every student that walks in that building is challenged and inspired by everyone that works there to do the very best they can in career or college preparation," he said.

Martin thanked his boss, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell, who he has worked for as a senior adviser and district director for the 36 communities in the district.

He said he and Tsongas would discuss in the next couple of weeks his transition from his duties.

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Franco said interviews with both candidates were strong.

Martin's ideas on how to build a team and his ideas to put systems in place for the future of the high school were also strengths, Franco said.

Franco announced her decision to the School Committee and high-school community in an email.

"I firmly believe that Brian Martin is the right person at this time to develop the structures and resources at LHS while still promoting shared leadership, school culture, excellent instruction and improved academic achievement and opportunities for students," Franco wrote.

LHS Headmaster Ed Rozmiarek's contract, which expires June 30, was not renewed by Franco.

Contract details have not been negotiated between Martin and the School Department.

Martin began his career as a teacher at Greater Lowell Technical High School and has held administrative positions at Lowell High School. He has served in elected positions as a city councilor and mayor, which includes being chairman of the School Committee. He also ran the city as city manager for almost five years. He has also worked in the private sector.

David Conway, vice-chair of the School Committee, said Martin was a good choice.

"I think that he is certainly someone I look forward to working with," Conway said in an interview. "He's very committed to the continued success of Lowell High School. As someone that has been an alumni, he's always been very appreciative of what Lowell High School has done for him. He's always talked about how successful Lowell High has been for others as well."

Members Kim Scott and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich agreed.

"I look forward to working with him," said Scott. "I'm glad to have him on the team. I look forward to more of his innovative ideas."

"I am certain that Mr. Martin will serve as a catalyst to move Lowell High School forward in a very positive direction," said Ross-Sitcawich.

Martin was one of the founders of the LHS Distinguished Alumni selection committee and is active in the Lowell High Athletic Hall of Fame.

He applied for the headmaster position three years ago, but did not get an interview as it was unclear if he had the required licensure.

During his interview Tuesday, he outlined his vision for the school and several initiatives he wanted to implement, including a "Center for Excellence" in partnership with institutions like Harvard and Boston universities, a mentoring program for at-risk students and working with the city and UMass Lowell to construct a basketball facility on top of the parking garage across from the high school.

One of the first tasks on Martin's plate will be to hire a director of curriculum and instruction, the number two position at the school. Franco said that position will be posted so that Martin can review the applicants and make the appointment.

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